Frontline medical staff in Manchester have developed an innovative PPE respirator that could provide a breakthrough in the fight against coronavirus (COVID-19).
Staff in the Intensive Care Unit at Wythenshawe Hospital, which is part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), have developed Bubble PAPR – a Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) – to keep healthcare workers safe during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
According to a statement on the Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust website, the “simple and low-cost device” consists of a reusable collar that sits around the neck and a single-use plastic hood that can be easily recycled.
The collar contains a fan to draw in air through a virus filter and deliver a cooling airflow around the face.
Bubble PAPR has been designed to be compatible with stringent infection control practices and be comfortable to wear for the duration of a shift in the ICU, or other high-risk areas. The wearer’s face is clearly visible, which will improve critical communication between staff and vastly improving the patient experience.
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Dr Brendan McGrath – Intensive Care Consultant at Wythenshawe Hospital – has been the clinical lead through the development and testing process. He said: “We have tested Bubble PAPR and we know it performs its primary function which is to protect staff against inhalation of airborne viruses.
“We have also now tested it in the simulated clinical environment.
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“The reaction from staff has been overwhelmingly positive: they saw something that was not restrictive on their face, that allowed them to communicate with their colleagues, that was pleasant to wear and will allow them to interact with their patients.”
Intensive care staff at @WythenshaweHosp have developed @BubblePapr – an innovative PPE respirator that could be a massive breakthrough in keeping NHS staff safe while delivering life-saving care during #COVID19.
The Bubble PAPR is part of an ongoing collaboration between MFT, Designing Science and The University of Manchester.
The collaboration will identify unmet clinical needs and work collaboratively to develop new solutions.
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A patent has been filed and the development team are now working with manufacturing partners to produce Bubble PAPR in large volumes and signing up distribution partners.
Patrick Hall – MD of Designing Science – added:
“Most current PAPRs are re-purposed industrial devices, not designed for clinical use and expensive. We have taken a user centred design approach to engineer and develop the Bubble PAPR to be as simple as possible while meeting key functional and ergonomic requirements. This means it can be easily and cheaply manufactured in large volumes so it can be made available right across the healthcare system, wherever clinical and support staff are interacting with patients who have confirmed or suspected COVID-19 or other serious infections.”
Dr Glen Cooper – Program Director for Mechanical Engineering Design in the School of Engineering at The University of Manchester – said: “The Bubble PAPR is both ergonomically and mechanically the right product to meet the need to protect NHS staff during the COVID crisis and beyond.”
The aim is to have Bubble PAPR widely available for front line staff before the end of 2020.
You can find more information via the MFT website here.
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For the latest information, guidance and support during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the UK, please do refer to official sources at gov.uk/coronavirus.
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Tram disruption to continue into the evening following damage in city centre
Daisy Jackson
Disruption to Metrolink trams will continue into the evening as engineers scramble to repair damage to an overhead line.
Power has now been restored following an earlier incident but services are still unable to run through Deansgate-Castlefield, a crucial stop in the city centre.
It’s left trams operating on a revised service pattern while damage to the overhead line is repaired.
Earlier today a driver in Manchester city centre reported a loss of power and damage to a pantograph – which is used to connect trams with the overhead power lines.
Images now shared by TfGM show the damage that has taken place, with the pantograph collapsed onto the roof of the tram.
The new tram service pattern began at 3pm and will continue until further notice, as follows:
Altrincham – Cornbrook
Eccles – Cornbrook
Manchester Airport – Firswood
East Didsbury – Firswood
Rochdale Town Centre – Exchange Square
Bury – Ashton-under-Lyne
Trafford Centre – Wharfside
Customers are able to use their Metrolink tickets on Bee Network bus services and some train services while the disruption continues.
TfGM’s Network Director for Metrolink, Ian Davies, said: “We are sorry to anyone whose journey has or will be impacted because of today’s disruption.
“Power has now been restored, and the cause has been identified as damage to overhead lines near to Deansgate-Castlefield Metrolink stop.
“Specialist engineers will be making repairs today and staff will remain out on the network to assist passengers with their journeys.
“We have had to make some changes to services while the repair work takes place, and I’d encourage people to continue to check the Bee Network app, website and social channels for the latest information and advice for the remainder of the day.”
Chester Zoo named UK’s best zoo for second year running after more than 11,000 ‘excellent’ ratings
Emily Sergeant
Chester Zoo has been named to best zoo in the UK for 2025.
While everyone in and around Greater Manchester and the North West may already be familiar with just how brilliant the UK’s biggest charity zoo is, you may remember that last year it was officially named the UK’s best zoo thanks to tens of thousands of positive TripAdvisor reviews… and now, the zoo has managed to retain that respectable title.
The world’s biggest travel guidance platform has, once again, named Chester Zoo as the best-rated zoo to visit in the UK this year.
This is the second year running that the zoo has got more than 11,000 ‘excellent’ ratings.
Chester Zoo has been named the best zoo in the UK for 2025 / Credit: Chester Zoo
Based on millions of online reviews, the updated ranking puts the beloved Cheshire-based attraction ahead of the country’s other zoos after earning consistently good feedback from its visitors.
Not only has the zoo’s strong focus on conservation and unforgettable visitor experiences made it the best in our country, but this has also earned it a place among Europe’s elite too – with the new listings placing it as the third best zoo or aquarium in the continent.
“We’re absolutely delighted to be named the UK’s top zoo,” commented Jamie Christon, who is the CEO of Chester Zoo.
“This recognition, based on thousands upon thousands of genuine visitor reviews, is a huge testament to our incredible team and everything they do to make Chester Zoo such a special place.
Guess who’s just been named the BEST zoo in the UK? 🎉⁰Hint: It’s us… but we couldn’t have done it without you! Your incredible Tripadvisor reviews made this possible 🙌
Even more exciting? We’ve climbed the ranks to become #3 in all of Europe, up from 8th last year 🌍👏… pic.twitter.com/ARJfwomIFL
“Every visit helps support our vital conservation work, both here in the UK and around the world.
“As a charity and a national conservation zoo, it means the world to know our efforts are being so warmly received by our guests. It’s people coming through our gates who enable us to do what we do – lead the charge to save wildlife, protect and restore habitats and safeguard ecosystems.
“Together, we’re securing the long-term future of some of the world’s most endangered species.”
Chester Zoo’s renewed title comes after it opened the UK’s largest-ever zoo habitat, Heart of Africa, which is home 57 iconic African species, earlier this month.
It also comes ahead of the unveiling of another exciting new development at the zoo this summer – The Reserve, which Chester Zoo is calling its answer to a ‘premium safari getaway’ right here in the UK, with 51 luxury African-themed lodges offering guests the chance to stay overnight and support conservation for the very first time.
Emily Sergeant -
17th September 2020 
